A new peptide synthesis method with imidazolium-type ionic oligomers

Invention 07054

A new peptide synthesis method with imidazolium-type ionic oligomers

A new method of peptide synthesis that combines the benefit of soluble and solid support synthesis was developed at McGill University.

Market Need

For the synthesis of peptides and other biopolymers, there are many current methods, but each of them have drawbacks. One of the most popular strategies is solid phase synthesis (SPS) with polymer resins or glass beads as the support molecule because of the automated process and ease of species isolation by simple filtration. The chemical reactions of SPS are performed in the heterogeneous phase, though, which generally requires an excess of reagents to complete the reaction. Large scale-up reactions are also expensive as the supports must be loaded at a low level. Soluble polymer supported synthesis, on the other hand, can be conducted in the homogeneous phase but separation is more complicated than with solid-bound supports.

Technology Summary

This technology is a new method for the synthesis of peptides based on ionic oligomers that combine the benefits of homogenous reactions of soluble-support and the ease of separation of solid support. With imidazolium-type ionic oligomers as the support molecule, the amino acids assemble in the homogeneous phase without the need for excess reagents and block coupling of peptides is efficient. This new approach is suitable for large scale synthesis of peptides, generates high yield, and has an easy method of separation for the purification of polypeptide, oligosaccharide, and oligonucleotide products.

Advantages

• Simple isolation compared to soluble support synthesis
• Larger loading levels than polystyrene resin-based solid supports
• Capability for block coupling and characterization of growing chains

Patent Status

Issued US